Dr. Robert Hartzler is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery and sports medicine. Although he treats many general orthopaedic conditions, he has a special interest in shoulder and elbow arthroscopy, reconstruction, and trauma surgery.
Dr. Hartzler was born in Austin and graduated from high school in Irving. After studying chemical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, he taught junior high math and science in Austin. He was the highest ranking graduate from his medical school class at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and went on to complete his orthopaedic surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic.
Following his residency, Dr. Hartzler pursued his special interest in care of the shoulder and elbow, completing two separate fellowships (in shoulder and elbow reconstructive surgery and shoulder arthroscopy, respectively).
Dr. Hartzler remains active in the orthopaedic academic community. He has published scientific articles and book chapters on various topics related to shoulder and elbow surgery. He volunteers as a peer reviewer for The Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery and Arthroscopy and has presented his scientific research at several academic meetings. Additionally, Dr. Hartzler has many active research and writing projects with his physician partners at TSAOG as well as UTHSCSA medical students.
